Charlton Athletic Women’s FC is pleased to confirm that Riteesh Mishra and James Marrs have both committed to the Club on a long-term basis.

This sees a continuation of the management partnership that saw success in the Capital Cup, winning the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division, and ultimately promotion to the newly-formed FA Women’s Championship after victory in the play-off match last Sunday.

The combination of Mishra, in his first full season as First Team Manager, and Marrs who was recruited as First Team Coach at the start of the campaign, has proved to be a winner. Mishra joined as an U16 coach in 2014, progressing via management of the Reserves to his role with the First Team in 2016. Marrs had proved himself elsewhere, including at Brighton Ladies who he led to the divisional title in 2015-16.

Chairman Stephen King said: “I am delighted that the club has been able to secure the ongoing services of Riteesh and James as First Team Manager and First Team Coach respectively. It’s something we had been talking about over recent months but until we knew which division we’d be in, nothing could be finalised. To be honest, both guys were keen to stay here and we very pleased to make that happen. Riteesh has proved himself to be an exceptional motivator and tactician. James brings a different dimension and a wealth of experience in the women’s game, covering all elements of coaching and game management. There were eyebrows raised in some quarters when we put this structure in place, but together they have proved it was the right way to go. Both are held in high esteem, and their commitment to the Club will go a long way in helping us retain and attract players of the calibre we need for the challenge ahead.”